Spirit level

ABSTRACT

A spirit level including first and second profile elements which can be displaced relative to one another in a telescopic manner and fixed relative to one another by means of a fixing element. In order to ensure that the first and second profile elements remain aligned with each other irrespective of their position, the first profile element is a hollow profile consisting of two sections which can be joined by means of the second profile element. The first section is joined to the second profile element and the second section can be moved along the remaining area of the second profile element. When the second profile element is at least partially uncovered by the second section, the second profile element can be subjected to the action of force in the direction of a profile wall of the second section of the first profile element.

[0001] The invention relates to a spirit level comprising a first and asecond profile element, which preferably can be displaced relative toone another in a telescopic manner, and are fixed relative to oneanother by means of a fixing element.

[0002] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,478 a telescoping spirit level isdisclosed, wherein telescoping elements are aligned by means of aninterlocking design. In accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 1,137,169,sections of a spirit level are pivoted relative to one another in orderto achieve a desired length.

[0003] DE 196 05 868 relates to a spirit level that comprises a basicframework that holds an extension that can be displaced, wherein saidextension is a solid profile element that is cruciform in itscross-section, and said element is arranged such that it can bedisplaced within a correspondingly shaped recess in the longitudinalbody of the spirit level.

[0004] With the telescoping, extendable spirit levels known from DE 29922 75 A1, profiles that can be displaced relative to one another areprovided, which can be fixed relative to one another by means of lockingbolts.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,349 relates to a telescoping spirit levelcomprising profile sections that extend coaxially relative to oneanother.

[0006] Other telescoping or extendable spirit levels are disclosed,e.g., in DE 75 23 018 U; DE 80 05 439 U; U.S. Pat. No. 3,104,477; U.S.Pat. No. 3,648,378; U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,875; U.S. Pat. No. 684,846; orCH 646 251 A5.

[0007] Known telescoping spirit levels are either costly to build or notsufficiently stable to satisfy customary requirements for spirit levels.Due to this fact, the disadvantage exists that when a spirit level isextended, the measuring beds or surfaces of the given ends may not be inalignment with one another.

[0008] For example, it is possible to use a spindle element to fixinterlocking profile elements, in order to create a desired measuringlength. In this, a T-shaped inner profile element can be arranged in anouter profile element comprised of a trapezoidal base section and arectangular upper section so that only one outer surface can be used asa measuring surface (U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,378). Because the spindleelement that fixes the profile elements relative to one another extendsbeyond the outer profile element, the danger exists that when acorresponding spirit level drops, the spindle element could be bent sothat it cannot be used again.

[0009] One frequently proposed solution provides for outer profileelements that are connected to one another via round or square rods, inorder to enable an adjustment of length (U.S. Pat. No. 3,104,477, CH 646251, U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,875). This mode of connection via the profiledrods, however, frequently cannot guarantee the desired level ofstability.

[0010] It is also possible for longitudinally divided profile elementsto be joined to one another via a dovetail connection, making itpossible to shift these elements relative to one another (U.S. Pat. No.5,412,875).

[0011] Regardless of their design, the telescoping spirit levelsgenerally exhibit the disadvantage that a measuring bed or surface thatextends along a straight line and is continuous or essentiallycontinuous, which frequently would be desirable, is not created.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to improve upon anextendable or telescoping spirit level of the type described at thebeginning such that with a simple construction, a rigid connectionbetween sections that can be displaced relative to one another iscreated, with the object of ensuring that the measuring beds or surfacesof the individual sections are always oriented along a straight line, inalignment with one another, independent of the length of the spiritlevel. Further, it is to be made possible to use a continuous oressentially continuous measuring surface or bed, independent of thelength of the spirit level.

[0013] The object is essentially attained in accordance with theinvention in that the first profile element is a hollow profile elementcomprised of first and second sections that can be joined by means ofthe second profile element, in that the one, first section is firmlyjoined to one end of the second profile element, and in that the other,second section can be displaced along the remaining area of the secondprofile element, wherein, when the second profile element is at leastpartially uncovered by the second section, the second profile elementcan be subjected to the action of force in the direction of a profilewall of the second section, wherein the action of force is to be appliedespecially in areas that are distanced from one another. In this, theforce is to be applied especially via a fixing element, which iscompletely covered by the first profile element, in other words itextends inside the hollow profile element, when the first and secondsections of the first profile elements abut against one another, inother words when the spirit level is not telescoped.

[0014] According to the invention, in the first profile element, whichis designed as a hollow profile element, a second profile element, alsoespecially in the form of a hollow profile element, is guided, whereinsaid second element can be subjected to the action of force in thedirection of a profile wall of the first profile element or outerprofile element in such a way that the profile elements are alignedparallel to one another along their longitudinal axes, with the resultthat the measuring beds or surfaces of the first section of the firstprofile element are oriented in alignment with one another, independentof the actual length of the spirit level.

[0015] In this manner, the fixing element serves a dual function to theextent that the first profile element is fixed in relation to the secondprofile element at the desired extended length of the spirit level,while at the same time the second profile element or inner profileelement is subjected to an action of force by means of the fixingelement in the direction of the inner surface, especially of the profilewall, which on the outside forms the measuring bed or surface.

[0016] In order to ensure the parallel alignment of the second profileelement to the first profile element, the first element is subjected toan action of force at a distance from the fixing element, especially inthe end area of the second profile element, in the direction of thecorresponding profile wall of the first profile element. Preferably,force is applied to the second profile element in at least three areasin the direction of the profile wall of the first profile element.

[0017] The fixing element can be a clamping element such as a spindleelement, a quick-release element, or especially an eccentric lever,which in turn is equipped with an extended actuating arm or lever forpivoting the lever, which, in the position that fixes the second profileelement to the first profile element, extends beyond the open endsurface of the second section that faces the first section.

[0018] The eccentric element is clamped when the second profile elementhas been drawn out of the first profile element to the desired extent.

[0019] In order to ensure that the force being applied by the eccentriclever to the second profile element will be halted if the profileelements should accidentally be pushed together as a result, e.g., of adrop of the spirit level, a further development of the inventionprovides that a stop element that serves to pivot an arm of theeccentric lever extends a certain distance from the open end surface ofthe first section of the first profile element that faces the firstsection. This stop element causes the eccentric lever to beautomatically shifted from its fixed position to its opened positionwhen the arm is pressed up against the stop element.

[0020] In this, the stop element can protrude from an insert positionedin the first section, which is an element that is H-shaped in itscross-section, especially an injection molded plastic element. Topromote the simple manufacturing of the insert, it should be comprisedof two identical sections, each of which is T-shaped in itscross-section, so that when the insert is assembled the center bars formthe crossbar of the H-shaped profile element.

[0021] The hollow profile element that forms the first profile elementis divided into at least two longitudinal chambers, wherein the secondprofile element extends in the one, first chamber, and the clampingelement is housed in the other, second longitudinal chamber.Furthermore, an insert can be positioned in the second longitudinalchamber of the section that can be pivoted relative to the secondprofile element, with said insert corresponding to the insert in thefirst section, and holding the stop element for the actuating arm of theeccentric lever. In this manner, the cross-section of the secondlongitudinal chamber is closed off by the crossbar of the H-shapedprofile element, so that the depositing of contaminants in the secondlongitudinal chamber of the sections is largely excluded.

[0022] The eccentric lever, which is positioned in the secondlongitudinal chamber such that it can pivot, is comprised especially ofa base section through which the pivoting axis extends, and theactuating arm or lever that extends from it. In this, when the eccentriclever is clamped, the base section extends through an intermediate wallthat separates the first longitudinal chamber from the secondlongitudinal chamber, allowing it to operate in conjunction with thesecond profile element. To this end it is especially provided that whenthe eccentric lever is in its clamped position, an outer surface of itextends along the second profile element, and is supported against itdirectly and/or at least against a projection that protrudes from theouter surface of the eccentric lever.

[0023] In a further development of the invention it is proposed that atleast one pressure element should operate in conjunction with the secondprofile element to promote its application of force in the direction ofthe profile wall such as the profile outer wall, with this pressureelement being supported on one side against the separating wall and onthe other side against the second profile element.

[0024] To this end it is provided in particular that the second profileelement is a hollow profile element, that the second profile element iscovered at least partially on the side of its inner wall by a cap thatis equipped with a projection that protrudes into the inside of thesecond profile element and holds a spring element, which is supported atone end on the inside against the cap and at the other end indirectly ordirectly against the opposite wall of the second profile element or itsinner surface. In this manner, the wall of the second profile element towhich force is being applied can be supported against the inner surfaceof the profile wall of the first profile element by means of a slidingelement. In this, a corresponding sliding element is found in all areasin which force is applied to the second profile element in the directionof the first profile element.

[0025] One proposal of the invention also provides for the secondprofile element to be supported in relation to the first profile elementby means of ball indentation components, via which the desiredapplication of force between the profile elements necessary to enablethe parallel alignment of their longitudinal axes is achieved, whereinespecially the longitudinal chamber that holds the second profileelement is the first longitudinal chamber, and extends on the side ofthe measuring beds or surfaces.

[0026] One proposal of the invention, which is protected independently,provides that, in order to create a continuous or essentially continuousmeasuring bed or surface, a band or belt element extends between themeasuring bed or surface of the first and second sections of the firstprofile element along the outer surface of the second profile elementthat runs between said sections, with said band or belt elementextending on the outer side in alignment with the adjacent measuringbeds or surface sections. In this, the band element can be prestressedby means of a spring, and especially can be guided within the secondprofile element by means of guide rollers.

[0027] To fix the band element on the outer surface of the secondprofile element, one preferred embodiment of the invention provides forthe band element to be magnetically fixed to the outer surface. To thisend, the side of the band or belt element that faces the profile elementcan be made of a ferrous material, and the second profile element can beequipped with magnets oriented toward its outer surface.

[0028] According to the invention, a band or belt is provided that iscalibrated and has a material thickness that is sufficient to fill theempty space between the outer surface of the second or inner profileelement and the measuring beds or surfaces of the first and secondsections of the first profile element or outer profile that border theedges of the second or inner profile element. In this, the band or thebelt is preferably fixed by means of magnets that are provided in thesecond profile component, whereby the precision of a measurement isimproved. Of course it is also possible for the band or belt to beguided in a type of dovetail guide that is provided in the outer surfacearea of the second profile element. Other possible solutions are alsoconceivable.

[0029] The band or the belt can be guided around a roller in the area ofthe first section of the first profile element or in the end area of thesecond profile element that is joined to the first profile element, andpreferably can be clamped and rolled either at the opposite end of thesecond profile element or in the first profile element by means of aclamping element such as a roller that is preloaded by means of aspring. If necessary, a tension spring element is sufficient, which willtense the band to the required extent. A proposal is also possible inwhich the band length would remain the same.

[0030] The band or belt can be made of a plastic mesh material, or sometype of driving belt that has a ferrous base. Alternatively, thepossibility also exists of using a steel band that is vulcanized on atleast one side with rubber.

[0031] According to a further proposal, one or more sliding elements canbe arranged along the inner profile such that they can be displacedlengthwise, wherein its or their sections that extend along the outersurface of the second profile element have a thickness that offsets theheight to the distance between the outer surface and the measuring bedor surface of the first and second sections of the first profileelement.

[0032] Further details, advantages, and characterizing features of theinvention are disclosed not only in the claims, the features containedtherein—alone or in combination—, but also in the following descriptionof the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the drawings.

[0033] These show:

[0034]FIG. 1 a longitudinal section of a spirit level, partially broken,

[0035]FIG. 2 a cross-section of the spirit level along the Line II-II inFIG. 1,

[0036]FIG. 3 an insert, and

[0037]FIG. 4 a representative illustration of a further improvement onthe spirit level shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] In FIG. 1, a telescoping spirit level 10 is illustrated purely inprinciple, which is comprised especially of metal, although it may alsobe comprised of other suitable materials such as plastic. In this,essentially only the features that characterize the invention aredepicted, without other functional elements such as spirit levels beingincluded.

[0039] In accordance with the invention, the spirit level 10 is designedto be telescoping, in other words extendable, in order to make a desiredlength available to correspond to specific applications. Independent ofthis, the spirit level in a non-extended state may have a length, e.g.,of 120 cm or 200 cm, in order to provide an effective overall length,e.g., of 200 cm or 350 cm in a maximally extended state. These figures,however, are provided purely by way of example, without serving therebyto limit the teaching of the invention.

[0040] The spirit level 10 is comprised of a first profile element 12,which is an outer profile element and is divided by a dividing wall 14into a first, in the drawing upper, longitudinal chamber 16 and a secondlower longitudinal chamber 18, the outer, base-side surface of whichforms the measuring bed or surface 20.

[0041] In the partial illustration shown in FIG. 2, the upper chamber 16is narrower in width than the lower longitudinal chamber 18, however,other dimensions may also be chosen.

[0042] The first profile element 12 or outer profile is divided into twosections 22, 24, wherein in the second or lower longitudinal chamber 26of the shorter section 22 a second profile element 28, also designed asa hollow profile element, is fixed, which extends inside the lower orsecond longitudinal chamber 18 of the second section 24 of the firstprofile element 12 such that said element can be shifted longitudinallyalong the second profile element 28, in order thus to be able to adjustthe desired effective overall length for the spirit level 10. Inaddition, if desired, dimension indicators for confirming the effectivelength of the spirit level 10 can be provided on at least one outersurface of the second profile element 28.

[0043] In order that the measuring bed 20 or the areas 32, 34 thatextend on the base from the sections 22, 24 of the first profile element12 will extend in alignment along a common line, and the sections 22, 24can be fixed at the desired distance from one another, independent ofthe length of the spirit level 10, in other words the distance betweenthe sections 22, 24 of the first profile element 12, the proposedsolutions according to the invention are provided below, each of whichis considered inventive in its own content.

[0044] In order to ensure a parallel orientation of the longitudinalaxis of the second profile element 22 to the longitudinal axis of thefirst profile element 12, and thus to the second longitudinal chamber18, the second profile element 28 is subjected to an action of force inthe direction of the base wall 36 that holds the measuring bed orsurface 20, 22, 34 on its outside, resulting in a parallel orientationof the profile elements 12, 28 relative to one another.

[0045] The corresponding application of force of the second profileelement 22 in the direction of the base wall 36 of the first profileelement 12 can be achieved, e.g., by means of ball indentation elements,not illustrated here, that would act between the dividing wall 14between the first profile element 12 and the second profile element 28.

[0046] In accordance with the diagrammatic representation, however,other realizations are also possible. For instance, the second profileelement 28 is equipped on the side of the dividing wall with a headersection 38 that is trapezoidal in its cross-section, along the outerside of which a cap piece 40, especially made of plastic, extends, thegeometry of which corresponds to that of the cross-section of thelongitudinal chamber 18 in the area on the side of the dividing wall 14,as is clarified in the sectional illustration in FIG. 2.

[0047] The cap piece 40 extends with a cylindrical projection 42 throughan opening 44 in the second profile element 28 and is enclosed by aspring element such as a coil spring 46, which is supported on the innersurface in the base area of the second profile element 28. For fixingpurposes, the coil spring element 46 coaxially encompasses an innerprojection 48, which itself extends from a sliding element 50 that isU-shaped in its cross-section and extends between the inner surface ofthe base-side or lower longitudinal chamber 18 and the adjacent outersurface of the second profile element 28, in order thus to enable africtionless shifting of the second profile element 28 relative to thefirst profile element 12.

[0048] Irrespective of this, the spring element acts directly on the cappiece 40 or the cover, and thus supports itself indirectly against theintermediate wall 14, in other words against the first profile element12. On the opposite side, it is directly supported against the secondprofile element 28, so that as a result said element continuouslyexperiences force in the direction of the base wall 36, creating aparallel orientation of the second profile element 28 to the firstprofile element 12, so that the sections 32, 34 of the measuring bed orsurface 20 are continuously in alignment with one another, independentof the distance between the sections 22, 24 of the first profile element12.

[0049] In particular it is provided that the second profile element 28,in its end area that extends inside the second section 24 of the firstprofile element 12, is acted upon by force by means of two supports thatare distanced from one another, in order to achieve the requiredorientation. In addition, in the open end area 52 of the second section24 of the first profile element 12 an additional application of force ofthe second profile element 28 in the direction of the base wall 36 ofthe first profile element 12 takes place, specifically when the firstand second profile elements 12, 28 are fixed relative to one another.

[0050] This fixing or fastening is accomplished via a clamping element,which can basically be of known design, in other words its constructioncan be that of a spindle or a spring-loaded clamping element. Accordingto the invention, however, the clamping element is designed as aneccentric lever 54, which is mounted in the first profile element 12,specifically in its upper longitudinal chamber 16, such that it canpivot around an axis 56. The axis 56 extends through a base section 58of the eccentric lever 54 that is oval or elliptical in itscross-section, from which a pivoting or actuating arm or lever 60extends, by means of which the eccentric lever 54 can be pivoted intothe position in which the second profile element 28 is fixed (see FIG.1), or—in keeping with the representative drawing—is released bypivoting the lever clockwise.

[0051] When fixing the second profile element 28, the base section 58,with a surface 62 or with projections that extend from said surface andare not further characterized here and which enable a balancing oftolerances, rests on the outer surface 64 of the second profile element28 that extends on the side of the dividing wall 40, such that thenecessary application of force by the second profile element 28 takesplace in the direction of the base wall 36 of the first profile element12. In addition, in the area of the application of force between thesecond profile element 28 and the inner surface of the base wall 36 asliding element 77 extends, whose thickness in the area of the base wall36 corresponds to that of the sliding element 50 shown in FIG. 2, sothat as a result the second profile element 28 continuously extends atthe same distance from the inner surface of the base wall 36 of thefirst profile element 12, thus ensuring that with proper application offorce a parallel orientation of the longitudinal axis of the secondprofile element 28 to that of the first profile element 12 is provided.

[0052] In order to ensure that if the sections 22, 24 shouldaccidentally be pushed together in an uncontrolled fashion, e.g. as aresult of a drop of the spirit level 10, while the eccentric lever 54remains in a locked position, said lever will be released, a projection66 extends in the displacement path of the pivoting or actuating arm 60from an insert 68 that is positioned in the first or upper longitudinalchamber 16 of the section 22 of the first profile element 12.

[0053] In this way, if the arm 60 interacts with the projection 66, theeccentric lever 54, as shown in the representative drawing, is pivotedclockwise, whereby the second profile element 28 is released and thuscan be displaced to the desired extent inside the base-side longitudinalchamber 18.

[0054] The insert 68 is H-shaped in cross-section and is comprised oftwo T-shaped profile sections 70, 72, which are identical in design andare assembled in accordance with the representative illustration in FIG.3.

[0055] The center bars 74, 76 of the T-profile sections 70, 72 form thecross-bar of the H-shaped insert 68, and close off the cross-section ofthe longitudinal chamber 16, i.e. its area 78 in the second section 22of the first profile element 12. A corresponding insert 68 can also beprovided, distanced from the open end surface 80 of the second section24 of the first profile element 12, as is clarified in the sectionalillustration shown in FIG. 1. In this, the pivoting axis 56 of theeccentric lever 54 extends between the open end surface 80 and thecrossbar of the insert 68 that is formed by the center bars 74, 76.

[0056] Of further importance is that the clamping element, in this casethe eccentric lever 54, extends completely inside the upper longitudinalchamber 16 when the spirit level 10 is not extended, in other words whenthe sections 22, 24 of the first profile element 16 abut against oneanother, so that protection is provided.

[0057] When the first and second sections 22, 24 of the first profileelement 12 are distanced somewhat from one another, the measuringsurface or bed 20, 32, 34 in the area of the freely accessible secondprofile element 28, that is in the area 82 in FIG. 1, is interrupted.Hence, no continuous measuring bed or surface 20 is available.

[0058] In accordance with the invention, it is now provided that thecorresponding area 82 can be covered by a band or belt element 84, theeffective thickness of which corresponds to the distance between theopen outer surface 86 of the second profile element 28 and the outersurface, in other words the measuring bed or surface 20, 32, 34 of thefirst profile element 12. The belt element 84 can be comprised on theside of the profile element, e.g., of ferrous material, in order that itmay be fixed as necessary on the outer surface 86 of the second profileelement 28 by means of magnets 88, 90, 92 attached thereto. Other meansof attachment, e.g. a dovetail guide between the belt or band element 84and the second profile element 28, are also possible.

[0059] In order that the open outer surface 86 of the second profileelement 28 can be covered by the belt 84, independent of the distancebetween the sections 22 and 24 of the first profile element 12, the beltextends in a corresponding length inside the second profile element 28and can be rolled onto a clamping element such as a roller 94 that ispreloaded by means of a spring, which—as in the exemplary embodiment—isfixed in the first profile element 12, i.e. its upper longitudinalchamber 16. Of course, the clamping element 94 can also be fixed in theend area of the second profile element 28 that extends in the secondsection 24. Independent of this, the belt element 84 is diverted over aroller 96 in the area of the first section 22 of the first profileelement 12, wherein the band element 84 is guided into the inside of thesecond profile element 28 through a slot 98.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment, the belt 84 is diverted over a totalof two guide rollers, each of which is mounted such that it can rotatein an end area of the second profile element 28.

[0061] In place of the belt 84, one or more sliding elements that can bepushed or clipped on can also be attached to the second profile element28, the bed-side surfaces of which would extend in alignment with themeasuring beds or surface sections 32, 34.

1. Spirit level (10) comprising a first and a second profile element(12, 28), which preferably can be displaced relative to one another in atelescopic manner and are fixed relative to one another by means of afixing element (56), characterized in that the first profile element(12) is a hollow profile element and is comprised of two sections (22,24) that can be joined by means of the second profile element (28),wherein one (first) section (22) is joined to the second profileelement, and the other (second) section (24) can be displaced along theremaining area of the second profile element, wherein, when the secondprofile element is at least partially uncovered by the second section,the second profile element can be subjected to the action of force inthe direction of a profile wall (36) of the second section of the firstprofile element.
 2. Spirit level according to claim 1, characterized inthat an action of force is applied to the second profile element (28),which is designed in particular as a hollow profile, by means of afixing element (54), in the direction of the profile wall (36) of thefirst profile element (12).
 3. Spirit level according to at least one ofthe preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing element is aclamping element such as a spindle element, a quick-release element, orespecially an eccentric lever (54).
 4. Spirit level according to atleast one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the secondprofile element (28) extends completely inside the sections (22, 24) ofthe first profile element (12), the fixing element (54) is completely oressentially completely covered by the first profile element.
 5. Spiritlevel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that when the second profile element (28) extends completely insidethe sections (22, 24) of the first profile element (12), the sections ofthe first profile element transition into one another in alignment onthe outside.
 6. Spirit level according to at least one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that the eccentric lever (54) is comprised of abase section (58) through which the pivoting axis (56) that extends fromthe first profile element (12) passes, and an actuating arm or lever(60) that extends from said base section.
 7. Spirit level according toat least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the firstprofile element (12) is divided into a first and a second longitudinalchamber (16, 18), in that the second profile element (28) extends inone, first chamber (18), and in that the eccentric lever (54) is housedin the other, second longitudinal chamber (16).
 8. Spirit levelaccording to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe base section (58) of the eccentric lever (54) in its clampedposition passes through an intermediate wall (14) that separates thefirst longitudinal chamber (18) from the second longitudinal chamber(16), for the purpose of interacting with the second profile element(28).
 9. Spirit level according to at least one of the preceding claims,characterized in that an outer surface (62) of the eccentric lever (54),when said lever is in the clamped position, is supported against theouter surface (64) of the second profile element (28) on the side of thedividing wall, directly and/or at least against a projection thatprotrudes from the surface.
 10. Spirit level according to at least oneof the preceding claims, characterized in that when the eccentric lever(54) is in the position in which the second profile element (28) issubjected to an action of force, the actuating arm (60) of the leverextends over the open end surface (80) of the second section that facesthe first section (22) of the first profile element (12).
 11. Spiritlevel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that a stop element (66) that pivots the actuating arm (60) of theeccentric lever (54) extends, distanced from the open end surface of thefirst section (22) that faces the second section (24) of the firstprofile element (22).
 12. Spirit level according to at least one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the stop element (66) extendsfrom an insert (68) that is positioned in the first section (22). 13.Spirit level according to at least one of the preceding claims,characterized in that the insert (68) is an element that is H-shaped inits cross-section, especially an injection molded element.
 14. Spiritlevel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the insert (68) is comprised of two identical components (70,72), each of which is T-shaped in its cross-section.
 15. Spirit levelaccording to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatan insert (68) is positioned in each second longitudinal chamber (16,78) of the sections (22, 24) of the first profile element (12), whichserves to close off the open cross-section of the second longitudinalchamber.
 16. Spirit level according to at least one of the precedingclaims, characterized in that at least one pressure element operates inconjunction with the second profile element (28) to achieve anapplication of force in the direction of the profile wall such as theprofile outer wall (36) of the first profile element (12).
 17. Spiritlevel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the pressure element (46) is supported on one side against thedividing wall (14) of the first profile element (12) and on the otherside against the second profile element (28).
 18. Spirit level accordingto at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thesecond profile element (28) is a hollow profile element, and in that thesecond profile element is covered on the side of the dividing wall atleast partially by a cap-shaped element (40), which is fitted with aprojection (42) that extends into the inside of the second profileelement (28), from which projection a spring element such as a coilspring (46) extends, which is supported at one end on the inside againstthe cap-shaped element and at the other end indirectly or directlyagainst the wall (86) of the second profile element (28) that extendsdirectly along the profile outer wall (36) of the first profile element(12), or the inner surface of the second profile element.
 19. Spiritlevel according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that the wall (86) of the second profile element (28) that issubjected to the action of force is supported against the inner surfaceof the profile wall (36) of the first profile element (12) by means of asliding element (50, 66).
 20. Spirit level according to at least one ofthe preceding claims, characterized in that the second profile element(28) is supported against the first profile element (12) by means of atleast one ball indentation element.
 21. Spirit level according to atleast one of the preceding claims, characterized in that thelongitudinal chamber (18) that houses the second profile element (28)extends on the side of the measuring bed or surface.
 22. Spirit levelaccording to preferably one of the preceding claims, characterized inthat in order to form a continuous or essentially continuous measuringbed or surface (20, 32, 34) for the spirit level (10), at least oneelement extends between the open outer surface (82) of the secondprofile element (28), which extends on the side of the measuring bed orsurface, and the first and second sections (22, 24) of the first profileelement (12), wherein the outer surface of said element is oriented inalignment with the measuring bed or surface of the first and secondsections, or extends toward said bed or surface.
 23. Spirit levelaccording to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe element that extends on the outside in alignment with the measuringbed or surface (20, 32, 34) is a band or belt element, which extends inparticular preloaded by means of a spring, at least in sections, insidethe second profile element (28).
 24. Spirit level according to at leastone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band or beltelement (84) extends inside the second profile element (28), guided overat least one guiding roller (96, 100).
 25. Spirit level according to atleast one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band orbelt element (84) can be magnetically fixed to the open outer surface(82) of the second profile element (28).
 26. Spirit level according toat least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the band orbelt element (84) contains ferrous material on the side of the profileelement, or is provided with said material, and in that magnets (88, 90,92) extend from the second profile element (28), oriented on its openouter surface (82).
 27. Spirit level according to at least one of thepreceding claims, characterized in that the belt or band element (84) isdiverted in the second profile element (28) in the area of the firstsection (22) of the first profile element (12), and is preferably fixedat its end by means of a clamping element such as a winding roller (94),which extends from the second or the first profile element (12, 28). 28.Spirit level according to at least one of the preceding claims,characterized in that along the open outer surface (82) of the firstprofile element (28) at least one sliding element is arranged such thatit can be displaced longitudinally, wherein the thickness of the sectionthat can be displaced on the outer surface is equal to the effectivedistance between the outer surface and the measuring bed or surface (20,32, 34) of the first and second sections (22, 24) of the first profileelement (12).
 29. Spirit level according to at least claim 1,characterized in that the second profile element (28) is subjected to anaction of force in areas that are distanced from one another relative tothe first profile element (12).
 30. Spirit level according to at leastone of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dividing wall(14) that separates the first hollow profile element (12) into the firstand second longitudinal chambers (16, 18) is solid or is formed bysections that are distanced from one another, such as bridges.